Gov. Brian Sandoval has challenged the Legislature to make progress reforming Nevada’s schools. Because the state constitution prohibits the use of a voucher system to advance the cause of school choice, more ingenuity must be used to give our children a better shot at a quality education.

One proposal, Senate Bill 445, would give tax breaks to companies that donate to private schools. Tax breaks would be equal to the amounts donated, not to exceed $5 million per year. Scholarships would be targeted toward children who come from poorer households, providing them with a chance to get a better education.

Providing funding straight from the taxpayer to a scholarship would be effective. Allowing the money to bypass red tape, politicians and administrators would result in the most effective use of the money.

Of course, the teachers unions are lining up against the bill. We have no doubt about where their priorities lie; they support “pro-public school” measures and candidates. So far, trusting only public schools has stranded Nevada at the bottom of nationwide ranks.

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Governor Sandoval and Senate Bill 445 giving tax breaks to businesses that donate to private schools is an excellent step in the right direction to advance education. I recommend several more. Businesses partnering with public and private schools to advance education achievement by donating their time, talent and money to local schools and students. Tax credits to businesses who hire students of Nevada schools. Sad that unions and public schools are against these proactive education measures, the Governor, and this Senate Bill. But not surprising.

Well, let me say, that if such donation is allowed, then also the full amount each and every teacher in this state donates out of their personal pockets should also be completely deductable! The tiny teacher deduction of $250 allowed by the IRS currently, is a slap in the face. Also, if "donating their time, talent, and money to local schools and students" is deductable, let's also allow those teachers who work after hours at schools be given that deduction as well.

So please, let's be fair in this. Teachers are in the business of education as well. So count them in with the rest of the business community!

Private schools should be able to receive public funding on the day that they agree to follow all of the rules and regulations governing public schools....open enrollment, special education, no required religious indoctrination, etc. This proposed scheme is currently popular in the South where the Christian segregationist academies started post-desegregatiion are looking to tap into public funding.

BTW, don't you just love Carmine's dissembling...."Sad that unions and public schools are against these proactive education measures...". No they are not. Of the three measures that you note public schools and unions support strongly "donation of time, talent and money" and "tax credits to businesses hiring [in-state] students". They are opposed to the taxpayer funded private schools. Just more failed right-wing propaganda.

Star I agree that teachers need to be compensated for any money's they take out of their pockets to support their students. I don't agree with compensation for time spent. I also think that when teachers are forced to go back to school to further their education that that should be subsidized by the government.

You're blinded by your own self-righteousness. Unions and public schools support what they want, not what's best for students. Charter schools, vouchers, and home schooling are all proven proactive educational reforms that work. Most Americans would agree too. Which do unions and public schools support?

What's going on in Louisiana with public education is scary at best! The governor of the state has put in place a plan that will literally destroy public education in that state.

Also, the governor has cut hundred's of millions of dollars from higher education and at universities such as LSU, many of the outstanding faculty members have already left for other universities around the country...

A real brain drain is underway in the Bayou State....church schools and private schools are becoming the order of the day.

Curriculum standards have be greatly changed and in some cases completely ignored. State funding is being used to fund parochial and private schools and money is being taken from public schools in order to do that.....

Is the Louisiana plan a plan that will be used in several other states? Is Nevada one of those states?